Be sure to include your name, daytime phone number, address, name and phone number of legal next-of-kin, method of payment, and the name of the funeral home/crematory to contact for verification of death.

Star power: F Seth Tuttle averaged 11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds. He needs to be more assertive on offense as a junior.

On the bright side: The addition of transfer G Wes Washpun, from Tennessee, should add athletic ability to the roster. Freshman center Ted Friedman is 6-foot-9, 230 pounds and started UNI’s exhibition game. The Panthers need size and he may be ready to contribute.

Come mid-March: Northern Iowa could give the MVC a third NIT team if the newcomers produce as expected.

5. Missouri State

Coach: Paul Lusk

2012-13: 11-22, 7-11 MVC

Star power: G Marcus Marshall, the MVC Freshman of the Year, averaged 11.5 points and played showed no fear as a rookie.

On the bright side: F Jarmar Gulley is back after missing 2012-13 last season with a knee injury. He averaged 10.4 points in 2011-12.

Compelled to mention: The Bears are counting on newcomers to solve defensive and rebounding problems from last season. Freshman Tyler McCullough, a 6-foot-11 center, is a key addition. He started an exhibition win over McKendree (Ill.) and blocked six shots and grabbed seven rebounds.

Come mid-March: MSU is a year away from challenging for the NIT. Lusk will be happy with one of the lesser tournaments.

6. Evansville

Coach: Marty Simmons

2012-13: 21-15, 10-8 MVC

Star power: G Charles Balentine is a good shooter who averaged 8.1 points. With Colt Ryan gone, the scoring burden shifts to him.

On the bright side: The Aces have some height and sophomore C Egidijus Mockevicius is a legitimate scorer and shot-blocker. Blake Simmons, son of the coach, is a scorer who will try to repeat the McDermott success story.

Compelled to mention: The loss of Ryan and two other starting guards will test Evansville’s ability to run its motion offense.

Come mid-March: Evansville will take a winning record and any postseason tournament that is available.

7. Southern Illinois

Coach: Barry Hinson

2012-13: 14-17, 6-12 MVC

Star power: G Desmar Jackson survived a year of turmoil with Hinson. If he can focus on basketball and stay straight off the court, he is a potential All-MVC talent.

On the bright side: Things have to get better for the Salukis in Hinson’s second season. SIU finished 2013 strong, including a win over WSU.

Compelled to mention: The Salukis will play small out of necessity again. Only two players are bigger than 6-foot-7.

Come mid-March: Hinson will have plenty of recruiting time to add more talent for his third season.

8. Drake

Coach: Ray Giacoletti

2012-13: 15-17, 7-11 MVC

Star power: C Seth VanDeest is the only recognizable name remaining after a coaching change. He averaged 9.5 points and 4.8 rebounds and should improve in his second season after missing 2011-12 with shoulder injuries.

On the bright side: Giacolletti left a job at Gonzaga to come to Drake. That must mean something good for long-suffering Bulldogs fans.

Compelled to mention: Five of Drake’s top seven scorers are gone, including MVC All-Freshman team forward Joey King, who transferred to Minnesota.

Come mid-March: Giacoletti will continue revamping the roster and trying to figure out how Keno Davis did it in 2008, Drake’s most recent MVC title.

9. Loyola

Coach: Porter Moser

2012-13: 15-16, 5-11 Horizon League

Star power: F Christian Thomas is the Loyola’s foundation. He averaged 12.1 points and 6.5 rebounds as a sophomore.

On the bright side: G Milton Doyle started his career at Kansas and gives Moser a high-quality athlete to build around.

Compelled to mention: Loyola doesn’t have a scholarship senior on the roster.

Come mid-March: Armed with a season in the MVC, Moser can recruit knowing what to expect.

On the bright side: Muller improved the non-conference schedule with games against VCU, Dayton and DePaul.

Compelled to mention: That schedule appears overwhelming for a team with two returners, both sophomores. The Redbirds are in a messy transition after four players transferred and one was kicked off the team.

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